The Avant-Première preview of the Art Basel Paris fair proceeded on Tuesday with a strong turnout despite recent unrest in the French capital. The exclusive event, held in the Grand Palais, typically draws some of the world’s wealthiest art collectors, but ongoing protests and violence across Paris and other French cities raised concerns about safety and travel.
The disturbances, which have persisted for several weeks, began with student protests targeting poor conditions in high schools and expanded to include broader public dissatisfaction over economic pressures, including rising living costs. Some demonstrations escalated into riots, looting, and clashes with police, leading authorities to enact curfews in certain neighborhoods.
By Monday, the most intense violence had largely subsided, although the aftermath was still visible through burnt-out vehicles and damaged storefronts in parts of the city. On the same day, art students blocked the entrance to the Louvre museum as a show of solidarity, forcing its temporary closure.
Ahead of the preview, many international collectors sought assurances regarding security arrangements. Organizers of Art Basel highlighted protective measures, including anti-ram barriers and round-the-clock security patrols surrounding the Grand Palais. Saloni Doshi, a contemporary art collector based in Mumbai, noted that she had fielded multiple inquiries from friends concerned about traveling to Paris but had encouraged them to attend.
The Paris edition of Art Basel features 211 international galleries, each granted six “plus one” invitations for top clients, making it a key event for high-value modern and contemporary art in Europe. The fair is especially popular with affluent American collectors, who are drawn by the city’s cultural attractions and luxury amenities. Exhibitors often bring their most valuable pieces, with this year’s highlights including a rare 1917 nude painting by Amedeo Modigliani, priced above $100 million, displayed by Pace Di Donna Schrader Galleries from New York.
Fergus McCaffrey, a New York-based exhibitor, downplayed the impact of the unrest on attendance, describing media reports of the violence as exaggerated and confirming that key American clients were present. Among those observed at the preview were prominent collectors such as Jon Shirley, Kim Richter, Komal Shah, Don and Mera Rubell, Pamela Joyner, Marguerite Hoffman, and Glenn Fuhrman.
Despite the event’s successful execution, some attendees noted a subdued atmosphere compared with previous years. Candace Worth, an art adviser from New York, recalled experiencing tear gas near her hotel during weekend disturbances and suggested that some American buyers may have reconsidered their plans, though she was unaware of any cancellations.
Overall, the preview maintained its stature amid challenging circumstances, underscoring the resilience of the international art market even as Paris continues to navigate social unrest.